The Ultimate Guide to Studying in Malta in 2023
Browse all bachelor programmes in Malta
- Sep-Sep Academic Year
- 3 Listed Institutes
- 2,000 Int. Students
- 17,000 Students
- 444,000 Population
Study in Malta
The Maltese islands are home to a remarkable cultural mixture between the ancient and the modern. Although the country harbours one of the oldest universities in the Mediterranean, the higher education system is future-oriented and blends tradition with innovation.
Due to the size of Malta, there is only one university and one vocational college made up of a number of individual institutions. However, they both have a good international reputation. About 600 full-time international students and about 500 exchange and transfer students come every year to Malta from about 80 different countries. The country maintains partnerships and links with education institutions all over the world.
Why study in Malta?
1. It's free for EU/EEA students
If you're from the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA) and want to study at the University of Malta — the only public education institution — you don't have to pay any tuition fees for most academic programmes. However, there are exceptions (some courses in Business, Culinary Arts, and others).
2. English is an official language
If you're worried about language barriers or you wouldn't feel comfortable learning another language, rejoice! You don't have to! English is an official language in Malta, being widely spoken by almost all citizens.
So, whether you want to ask for directions, find a missing item on your grocery list at the supermarket, or travel around, you'll always be able to ask for help and communicate with ease.
3. Malta is a paradise for sports and outdoor enthusiasts
Malta offers an incredibly wide range of activities for people who enjoy being active, travelling, and pushing themselves. In your spare time, feel free to try any of the following adrenaline-spiking activities: hiking, water sports, rock climbing, scuba diving, flyboarding, etc.
Not interested in any of these? Then, simply relax on the beach, enjoy the warmth of the sun, and the breeze of the sea.
Study programmes in Malta
Degrees are awarded in subjects like Arts, Science and Technology, Health Sciences, Economics, Management, Education, Engineering, Law and more. The students enrol in full-time or part-time study programmes.
The courses offered are relevant and up to date with the needs of the country. The courses are offered at diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate level. Most Bachelor degree courses run for three years, while most Masters may be completed in 2 years. In order to maximize course efficiency, some courses are held once every two years.
Vocational and professional training is also available. Different institutes teach full-time students or part-time students who also hold a job and require specialized training.
Basic Foundation Study Courses enable international high school students who do not have the necessary entry requirements, to qualify for admission to an undergraduate degree course in Malta.
A popular English-language university in the country is the American University in Malta.
General application procedure
- Find the academic programme you want to study
- Check if you meet the minimum entry requirements
- Pay the application fee (if applicable)
- Submit your documents (translated into English)
- The Students’ Advisory Services are available for advice and information to prospective students
- Attend information meeting for Prospective Applicants
- Apply for scholarships, if available
Contact the International student office for more information about program application and requirements.
English language preparation for studying in Malta
Develop your academic English language skills in order to meet the English language requirements at Maltese universities offering degree studies for international students. Choose an English language school anywhere in the world and pick your preferred English exam preparation course from diverse language course options.
Universities in Malta will want to see proof that you have good English-language skills, so that you can easily succeed in their English-taught courses. Universities accept these official English exams:
- PTE Academic
- IELTS
- TOEFL
- C1 Advanced
Living in Malta
Let's take a closer look at tuition and living expenses in Malta:
Tuition fees
If you want to study in Malta, how much you need to pay depends on:
- your nationality
- the type of university (public vs private)
- the type of programme (arts-based, science-based, business-related)
At public universities, for example, international citizens encounter these situations:
- 0 EUR/year for EU/EEA students
- between 9,000–27,000 EUR/year for EU/EEA students for specialised programmes (e.g. MBA, Culinary Arts)
- between 2,000–31,000 EUR/year for non-EU/EEA students
Science-based and business-related programmes are the most expensive. At private universities, tuitions fees are even higher.
Living costs in Malta
Depending on your lifestyle, type of accommodation, and whether you live alone or with other students, your monthly living costs in Malta can reach between 500 and 800 EUR.
Here's a breakdown of average living expenses in Malta:
- accommodation (university residence halls): prices vary, but it's cheaper than renting a flat
- accommodation (privately rented flat): 700–1,500 EUR/month
- utilities (if you rent a flat): 90–120 EUR/month
- food and groceries: 150–250 EUR/month
- monthly transport pass: 26 EUR; students might get a discount
- three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: 60 EUR
- 1 loaf of bread: 1.15 EUR
- 1 litre of milk: 1 EUR
- 1 kg of apples: 2.60 EUR
- 1 kg of bananas: 1.85 EUR
- 1 cappuccino: 2.20 EUR
About Malta
Malta, or the Republic of Malta, is a small European state, comprising an archipelago of seven islands, making it an island nation. Situated in Southern Europe, it is located in the Mediterranean Sea, giving the country a warm, Mediterranean climate.To the island's west is Tunisia and south is Libya. The nation's capital city is Valletta.
Historically, Malta has been considered a crucial strategic location due ito its position in the Mediterranean Sea. It was held by several ancient cultures including Sicilians, Romans, Phoenicians, Byzantines and others. The island is commonly associated with the Knights Hospitaller who ruled it.
The country's official languages are Maltese and English, although there are inhabitants who speak Italian on the islands. Malta gained independence from Britain in 1964 and is currently a member of the European Union, the Commonwealth of Nations and the United Nations.
Over the years, the Maltese economy has focused towards a service-oriented industry. Steady growth has been registered in the development of financial, Information and Communication Technology and tourism services.
Malta's climate is typical of the Mediterranean; sunny and with hot, dry summers, warm and sporadically wet autumns, and short, cool winters with adequate rainfall. Although mild, winters are generally damp and rainy with occasionally short chilly periods.
Universities, colleges and schools in Malta
Birkirkara
- GBSB Global Business School in Malta (7 Bachelors)
Msida
- University of Malta (112 Bachelors)
Victoria
Interesting programmes for you
Find Bachelor's Degrees in Malta
What subject to study in Malta?
- Agriculture & Forestry 1 Masters
- Applied Sciences & Professions 6 Masters
- Arts, Design & Architecture 12 Masters
- Business & Management 36 Masters
- Computer Science & IT 31 Masters
- Education & Training 7 Masters
- Engineering & Technology 6 Masters
- Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences 3 Masters
- Hospitality, Leisure & Sports 4 Masters
- Humanities 32 Masters
- Journalism & Media 1 Masters
- Law 3 Masters
- Medicine & Health 22 Masters
- Natural Sciences & Mathematics 13 Masters
- Social Sciences 39 Masters
Education initiatives created in the past years greatly encourage university international cooperation and academic exchange attracting Bachelors degree students and staff from all over the world. These policies also facilitate mobility of students, graduates and higher education staff. Specialized institutions help prepare students for their future careers and, most importantly, they offer broad global access to high-quality higher education.
The possibility to study worldwide, for instance in Australia, Asia, Europe or North America, opens up opportunities to see more of the world. Not just because you would have the opportunity to travel, but also because it is becoming increasingly easier to go abroad to follow a semester at a different university. There is a wide range of different study options, and one of them can prove to be your dream Bachelors degree programme.
The number of English-taught Bachelors degrees in the world has increased explosively in the last couple of years. Some of the countries with the most English-taught study programmes include Australia, Belgium, China, Denmark, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the United States. However, higher education is often delivered in English in many other countries as well. From highly ranked research universities to smaller, specialised universities, the choices are endless.
Bachelors Degree
A bachelors degree is an academic degree earned for an undergraduate course of study that could range in length of time. This depends on the country, discipline and sometimes the education institution. There is usually a difference between professional and academic bachelor programmes. A professional bachelor?s degree usually takes 4 to 5 years to complete, while an academic bachelor is 3 years long, in most countries. Although this is not always a general rule.
Bachelors degrees exist in almost every country in the world. The study programmes mainly lead to degrees such as: Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Law (LL.B.), Bachelor of Business (B.BA), amongst others.
A one-year honours degree can be achieved after the completion of a regular Bachelors degree in the same field. Sometimes, this means one year of research culminating with a written thesis. It is usually available only to students who achieve high scores in their previous years of undergraduate studies.
At some universities, you have the option of a joint honours degree. This requires at least half of the credits required for each of the respective majors (two subject areas). The subject areas do not have to be highly related, but they usually overlap both faculties and subjects.
Discover other countries
The Netherlands is a very popular study destination. Internationals choose this beautiful country because Dutch universities are some of the best in Europe, the living standards are high, foreigners are always welcome, and you get to live in one of the happiest and safest countries in the world. The Netherlands is also renowned for innovative technologies and engineering solutions, which is reflected in the wide range of Engineering degrees offered by universities.
English is spoken by around 90% of Dutch citizens, so forget about language barriers. Also, bike lanes and the “cycling culture” will help you to stay fit and healthy, and there are diverse job opportunities and internships for international students.
Finland is an excellent choice for all internationals and especially for EU/EEA students who can study at local public universities for free. The beautiful Nordic country has one of the best education systems in the world and ranks among the safest and happiest nations in the world. You can also choose from over 400 English-taught programmes.
In your spare time, you can explore the breathtaking Finnish nature and landscapes, as well as the numerous lakes that give the country the nickname ‘The Land of a Thousand Lakes.’ From here, you can easily travel to neighbouring countries like Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Russia, or Estonia.
Ireland is among the top countries in the world in terms of quality of life, peace, safety, and development. It represents an appealing blend of beautiful landscapes, English-speaking environments, and a strong, welcoming, and rich culture — of which the Irish people are very proud. International students also enjoy the full support of Irish universities, which hire and train staff that are able to help with accommodation, studies, visa details, or any other challenge.
Norway is a paradise for anyone who wants to study abroad for free. Public universities don’t charge any tuition fees. This policy applies to all international students, regardless of their nationality. The academic standard is very high, and professors are easy to approach, always willing to go the extra mile for their students. Additionally, classes are organised in small groups, which further improves learning and cooperation.
You can choose from a wide range of English-taught programmes, and you don’t need to worry about language barriers outside of classes either, because most Norwegians speak English as a second language. Internationals should find it easy to adapt to Norway’s society, which is based on equality and fair opportunities — reflected both in the legal system and in people’s behaviour.
Greece is the cradle of European civilization and the birthplace of philosophy. Greek universities and colleges have a long history in academics, attracting international students from all over the world. Classes are not typically formal, so you can expect open discussions between students and professors, in line with the classical philosophical debate tradition. EU/EEA students don’t pay any tuition at public universities, while non-EU/EEA citizens pay low fees.
In Greece, you’ll also enjoy the well-known local hospitality and the wonderful Mediterranean climate. There are many landmarks and monuments waiting to be explored, including the Acropolis, Delphi, the Parthenon, and many others.
Sweden is a very ambitious, eco-friendly, and visionary country. For example, by 2040, it aims to produce all its energy from renewable sources. Universities play an important role in achieving development goals, thanks to their world-class research facilities. If you’re from the EU/EEA, you can study at public universities for free.
As a student, you will discover and easily adopt the three main values of Swedish society: freedom, equality, and sustainability. These values are reflected in every aspect of the local society, and you’ll quickly learn to appreciate them. Language barriers are also almost non-existent since around 80% of Swedes speak English.
Switzerland has one of the most advanced free-market economies, which is reflected in the high living standards and the satisfaction of people living here. In terms of higher education, Swiss universities are constantly ranked among the best in Europe, and they shine in areas like Business, Tourism, Culinary Arts, and Engineering.
When compared to Western universities, tuition fees in Switzerland are affordable, and all studies — especially PhD programmes — are world-class. You’ll have the opportunity to develop in a multilingual environment and try learning international languages like German, French, or Italian. If you settle down here, the unemployment rates are low, and salaries are well above the European average.
Universities in the UK are some of the most highly regarded in the world, and for good reasons. Some of the world's most highly regarded research takes place in British universities, which are regularly featured in international rankings. While studying in the UK, you will be able to develop in a highly multicultural environment with high chances of pursuing lucrative careers after graduation. The teaching in the UK is designed to encourage new idea generation, encouraging individual research and group cooperation, through class discussions and creative assignments.
Canada is one of the most popular study destinations in the world due to its high focus on the quality of its universities and its emphasis on attracting international students who can later immigrate. Canadians are very welcoming to international students and they invest a lot into making sure students are safe, treated fairly, and enjoy their stay in the country. Study in one of the strongest economies in the world while enjoying a high living standard and a flexible study environment. Classes have smaller student groups ensuring everyone gets the attention they need, and encouraging group assignments and debates.
The United States is home to some of the most prestigious universities and colleges in the world. With over 150 universities featured in international rankings, the U.S. has some of the best business schools, medical schools, and engineering schools. Universities and colleges in the U.S. are well known for academic flexibility and ways to customize your study experience with optional studies and extracurricular activities. Depending on where you will be studying, you will be able to visit iconic places like the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Goldengate Bridge, The Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, Disney's Magic Kingdom Park, and much more.
Israel attracts international students through high standards of education and a wide range of English-taught degrees. Local universities shine in areas like Technology, Sciences, Business, and Entrepreneurship. In fact, Israel is a renowned land of innovation, having earned itself the nickname ‘Start-Up Nation’.
While living and studying here, you will discover a wonderful culture developed throughout 4,000 years of history; different cultural influences are noticeable everywhere, especially in Israeli food, art, and history.
In major cities, English is widely spoken, so communication shouldn’t be a problem. In your spare time, you can visit one of the over 400 nature reserves and 80 national parks.
By studying in Australia you will take advantage of the great student environment both inside and outside classrooms. In addition to some of the best business and engineering schools in the world, you will be able to explore a greatly developed country that still retains its wild side with its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and the Great Outback, with over 500 national parks. Many Australian universities provide internships and work placements, preparing students early on for the job market.